Behind the Lines 2026 – coming soon

Behind the Lines 2026: 'BTL High' celebrates the year's best political cartoons.

Featuring established and emerging cartoonists from across Australia, this exhibition highlights the significant contribution they make to cultural and political debates through witty, insightful and often poignant satirical drawings and paintings.

Behind the Lines is going back to high school this year. The world of politics, with its rigid rules, bells, dress codes, shifting popularity and that constant feeling that the decisions made there will have a lasting impact on our national life, can seem remarkably similar to high school. In 2026, cartoonists tackled some heavy-hitting issues including leadership changes, the cost of living, fuel prices, interest rates, housing security, climate change, and the pursuit of peace.

Visit previous years' exhibitions online.

Travelling exhibition

In 2027 and 2028, Behind the Lines will travel to venues around Australia, proudly supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.

Dates and venues:

• Albury Library Museum, NSW: 13 March to 23 May 2027
• Bribie Island Seaside Museum, QLD: 12 June to 8 August 2027
• Old Treasury Building, VIC: 3 September to 24 October 2027
• State Library of South Australia, SA: 5 November 2027 to 21 January 2028

If you're interested in hosting Behing the Lines at your venue, visit Become a tour venue